Page 136 of Seizing Control: Part Two

We took Toker’s good will for granted.

Until Venom was gone and none of us knew how to help him.

Loyal to a fault, proud with the perfect level of unhinged, he is slow to anger.

If he cuts you out of his life, it’s permanent.

Something I fear Lazarus is about to learn the hard way.

“The only bullshit here is you.” With his thumb, Toker cocks the hammer of his Glock. His spine is straight, his demeanour radiating with self-righteousness, as he leans into Lazarus. In the same tone he uses to discuss the weather, my SAA states, “I should do the world a favour... pull this trigger... spread your shit for brains all over the wall.”

I’m about to intervene when a second weapon is cocked.

Lazarus commands, “Stand down, goth girl.”

“No,” Layla retorts. “He needs to be put down for threatening you.”

“Incorrect,” her boss replies. The softening around Lazarus’ eyes is the only emotion he’s allowed to show on his face during his standoff with Toker. “My brother is allowed to air his thoughts without repercussions. Venom trusted him with his life.” My sometimes friend matches Toker’s posture as he leans against the muzzle of the Glock. “I trust him with my life.”

“Fuck you.”

“Nah,” Lazarus murmurs in response to my SAA’s obscenity. He moves his hand from Toker’s bicep to grasp his wrist. “I’ll pass. Your cousin’s more my speed.”

“Can’t believe she’s let you back in her life.” As Toker allows Lazarus to move his arm, he grumbles, “My lil cuz is weak as piss when it comes to you.” His gaze flares with warning when he turns his wrath on me. “Hope you two morons know what you’re doin’, ’cause anythin’ goes down between the three of ya, I’m Team?—”

“Cherub all the way,” I say in unison with Lazarus.

“Fuck you both. Fuck you both to hell.”

At the same time, we mock him in a sing-song voice, “Pass.”

Exchanging a look with Lazarus, I see my own feelings reflected.

It’s weird to be so in sync with someone I resent with a bone deep intensity.

Before I can properly gauge if the rift between my two closest friends has been mended, the door to the living room is opened. My wife peeks her head in, apology in her eyes, even as she purses her lips at us with transparent annoyance. When she moves over Lazarus without pause, I hear his harsh intake of breath.

The public distance they need to maintain is getting to him already.

“Know this is club business, and all,” she sasses with a cheeky grin. I adjust my stance, almost ashamed over how easily a quirk of her plump lips can elicit a response from my body. “But I need to head back to the hospital soon. I’ve expressed more supply. It needs to be stored, and I want to be there to help bath them too.”

“No worries, duchess. We’ll be ready to go in ten.”

“Thank you.”

“Any time.” When Cherub pulls the door shut, I turn to Toker. “Holster your weapon. I want you to organise the enforcers. Make sure they are ready to leave when I am.”

“Sure thing, prez.”

Toker returns his Glock to its holster, then leaves to do as I’ve ordered without question. He doesn’t spare another look in Lazarus’ direction, however, I can tell that his hurt is receding now that he’s been forced to face it. When Hunter attempts to follow my SAA, I grab a handful of his cut and pull him to a stop. My brother glares at me and Layla snickers. As Lazarus moves toward me, ready to intervene, tension immediately fills the air.

Ignoring him, I pretend I’m immune to his censure.

It’s time to lay down the law with Hunter.

His divided loyalties cannot stand unchallenged.

“Little brother, we need to talk.” Lazarus is about to offer his input. I shake my head, hitting him with a hard stare as I tell him, “You and your team are welcome to leave. This is between me and Hunter.”

---